This is Scindia’s way of telling them that despite his royal background, sophisticated demeanor and foreign education, he is one among them—rooted in “Indian culture”.
“I do not need to travel in an AC car. I’ve been taught how to work hard and survive on one onion, like many of you in the villages,” he says. The crowd cheers with a roar of claps.
That’s an unusual and exaggerated display of austerity from Scindia whose declared assets are estimated to be nearly Rs 380 crore. The ‘young look’ of the 49-year-old Rajya Sabha MP, too, is not accidental as is evident from the expensive Whoop fitness strap on his right wrist. But then, the November 3 by-elections to the 28 assembly seats aren’t usual either. For Scindia, these elections are not just about ensuring a majority in the assembly for the Shivraj Singh Chouhan-led BJP government. The results on November 10 will also reflect the public’s verdict on his decision to switch from the Congress to the BJP in March this year.
In the Congress, Scindia had been miffed about being overlooked for chief ministership when the party won 114 seats in the 230-member assembly in 2018 and assumed power. The wins in 26 of the 34 seats in the Gwalior-Chambal region, where Scindia is perceived to be the undisputed leader, had contributed significantly to the victory. When Scindia parted ways with the Congress on March, 22 Congress MLAs loyal to him resigned from the assembly, bringing down the Kamal Nath government. Three other Congress MLAs resigned later and another three seats fell vacant from the death of incumbent legislators.
This story is from the November 09, 2020 edition of India Today.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the November 09, 2020 edition of India Today.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
BJP's Big Paschim Test
On paper, the BJP-RLD tie-up is a winner for the NDA in west UP, though the INDIA bloc thinks otherwise. The BSP's entry with mixed candidates can unsettle both alliances
Why Gen V Matters
The Way The 210 Million-Strong Generation Viksit Bharat Casts Its Vote Will Determine The Outcome Of This Election As It Has In The Past
Heart Stopper
Cushions with tales of beauty, serenity, art and nature
THE NIPPON NARRATIVE
Say konnichiwa to good design and sayōnara to bad aesthetics, as this apartment in Bangalore is a lesson in how to use Japanese design effectively
RURAL RESPLENDENCE
This second home in a small village in Uttar Pradesh brings to life the beauty and simplicity of locally sourced materials
Curves in the Right Places
Arches may be taking over interior design, but how and where you place them in your home can make or mar the look of the room
Marvels in Mud
Here's how this humble material is changing the way we look at eco-friendly homes in India
DESIGN FOR THE AGES
Five homes, five distinct design styles that help decode how to curate age-appropriate spaces
TAKE FIVE
FROM RUGS TO CUSHIONS, THESE DECOR PIECES WILL GIVE YOUR INTERIORS AN INSTANT MAKEOVER THIS SEASON
TRENDY TABLESCAPES
At the turn of the season, three fashion labels throw a soiree that is stylish, suave and sophisticated